Medicare Discussed
January 7, 2006
Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Town Hall MeetingTHANK YOU - to all the residents, participants, speakers and interested parties who joined us on Saturday, Jan 7, 2006 at the Mt. Olive United Methodist Church in Prince Frederick to hear about Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Package Program. Experts from the Calvert County Office on Aging and the Maryland State Department of Aging were on hand to share information and answer questions. Attendees received the latest information on Maryland Prescription Drug Packages. A very special thank-you to Reverend Robert Conway and his wife for hosting our meeting at their church.
Additional information is available at the Federal Medicare web site: www.medicare.gov
For more information call Delegate Kullen: 410-586-9575.
Delegate Sue Kullen
The following basics of the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program appeared in a pamphlet distributed jointly by the Baltimore Sun and Baltimore County. Additional information is from the local program: 1. Everyone with Medicare must take some action. You will need to evaluate whether your current coverage is equal to or better than the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program so that you are not at risk for higher premiums if you elect to join at a later date.
2. It is important to make an educated decision when selecting a Medicare approved drug plan. You should research and compare the various drug plans with your medication list to select the best coverage option for you based on cost, coverage, and access.
3. The new Medicare Prescription Drug Program has a premium associated with its coverage. Premiums will vary according to the drug plan you select.
4. If you join the Medicare Prescription Drug Program and use the plan's network pharmacies, you will pay less.
5. Each drug plan will have a different list of drugs it will cover called a 'formulary list.' You will need to check which drug plan covers all or most of your medications. Exceptions may be granted by your drug plan.
6. If you delay enrolling into the Medicare Prescription Drug Program when you are first eligible or when your current prescription coverage is not equal to or better than Medicare's coverage, you will pay a one percent higher premium per month that you did not enroll after the May 15, 2006 deadline.
7. There is extra help for those who are low income eligible where premiums can be reduced, eliminated, and other payments lessened. It is important to apply as soon as possible.
8. The Medicare Prescription Drug Program started January 1, 2006. You can enroll from November 15, 2005 to May 15, 2006 without incurring a higher premium.
9. After election to the program, you can change your drug plan once a year between November15 and December 31. If you have Medicare and Medicaid, you can change your plan once a month. During the initial enrollment period, you may change your drug plan one time before May 15, 2006 if your initial selection does not meet your needs.
10. This is a very complex program. Assistance may be obtained by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or online at www.medicare.gov.
11. Apply through the Calvert County Department of Social Services: 443-550-6900 or the Calvert County Office on Aging: 410-535-4606 / 301-855-1170
Kullen For Calvert, Guffrie M. Smith, Jr., Treasurer
